AND ON the fourth day Westminster Council said let their be light at Lord's - oh, and make it permanent.

The landmark vote last Thursday in the council chamber in effect means day and night can become one to cricket fans in NW8.

The MCC, who own the 195-year-old ground, were given the (ahem) green light by councillors to install permanent floodlights at Lord's and finally haul the ground kicking and screaming into the 21st Century, despite protests from residents.

The decision which would make many a former MCC traditionalist spin in their grave is almost certainly irreversible, even though the Middlesex first threw the switch on temporary lighting as far back as September 2007.

However, it's 30 years since Sydney Cricket ground was plugged as part of the revolution ushered in by the late Kerry Packer.

And given Australia is already exploring the possibility of day/night Test matches, this move by the home of cricket is already seen as long overdue.

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington was quick to applaud the vision of the county's landlords.

"I think it's fantastic news - it's a step forward for cricket and brings the MCC up to speed with the modern era.

"I think the MCC deserve plaudits for having the courage and vision to move with the times and get permission to install the floodlights."

Under the five-year deal, four 48m tall retractable floodlights will be installed behind the Edrich, Compton, Tavern and Warner stands during the next two months.

The real deal will be three-and-a-half metres shorter than the previous temporary lights.

But the new beacons will be cranked up by the ICC at the Twenty20 World Cup matches at Lord's in June.

The first time the electricity meter at Lord's will see the digits racing is at the England versus Netherlands match on Friday, June 5.

These lights will be able to be used for 12 matches a season, between April and September.

He said: "It's an historic day for Lord's. "The home of cricket wants to be the best and to host the biggest matches. If the ECB wins the bid for future world cups we want to be staging as many games as possible.

"But we are involved in a long-term master-plan to redevelop the whole ground including plans for the Compton and Edrich stands, which would have lights over them next year, so the five-year plan fits well with the planned redevelopment.